“His words are corroborated by the data, Director,” said Brahsh. “We have collected intelligence on the Federation as well. That is how we know he is speaking the truth regarding the political climate there.”
“I see.”
“We’re not just swallowing whatever Mr. Ambassador tells us,” he continued, his pride wounded. “Has Military Command’s analysis led to a different conclusion?”
“The political climate of other nations isn’t our business. I would not mind making my subordinates look into it as practice, were they free, but they’re already working overtime as it is.”
“Then why are you doubting me?” Brahsh grilled him.
“Do I need a reason to be skeptical?” said Faramunsh, amused. “I’ve lived all my life doubting all things. In the Empire, a personable sort is unfit for the work of the Military Command Director. When I was assigned to the role, I was quite surprised, but now I’m reluctantly beginning to think I am fairly qualified. My heart is currently weighed with multiple suspicions and misgivings.”
“In what way is it suspicious?” asked Lamagh. “Make yourself a little clearer.”
“I think it’s possible Mr. Ambassador is using our military for some kind of inner conflict,” said Faramunsh. “It’s not our job to pry into the inside story of another nation; I only know what is common knowledge. In that nation, the seat of power is to be fought over at one’s own peril. And I feel Mr. Ambassador and his associates may be losing their battle.”
“We got that feeling as well,” Lamagh concurred.
“Your Majesty!” said Brahsh, shocked.
“We aren’t saying We do not trust your judgment,” she told him. “Just as this is a good opportunity for Mr. Ambassador and his ring, it is also a good opportunity for the Empire.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, exactly,” said Brahsh, bowing. “What the Director said was not wrong. The power struggles in the Federation are always fierce, and the faction that Ambassador Teen belongs to is losing its grip on power. If we let this chance slip from our grasp, the opposition will replace them, and if that happens, the Three Nations Alliance may well revert to the Four Nations Alliance. The fact that Mr. Ambassador and his associates have power, and the fact that they are losing that power, do not contradict each other.”
“A Four Nations Alliance would be easier for us,” said Faramunsh, “as we are always formulating strategies with that context in mind.”
“So it would, in fact, be easier to deal with,” said Lamagh. She had not forgotten Faramunsh’s pet theory that it would be easier to make Hania their enemies rather than annex its territory.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“But the fight would last longer for it.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” he admitted. “There is a difference in preparing against an enemy and a neutral nation. If forces are used as defense, then it will take time to execute our strategy. Of course, it will take excessive amounts of time to subjugate Hania.”
“And the death toll will increase.”
“Only so that we may buy eternal peace for our descendants.”
“But we can buy it now on the cheap,” said Brahsh. “What need is there, then, to spend soldiers’ lives for it?”
“That is the gamble.”
“A gamble whose damage we can repair, even if we lose,” added Brahsh.
“We have heard your opinions to Our satisfaction,” said Lamagh. “We ought to reach Our decision now.”
“Might I suggest Your Majesty need not rush to a decision?” said Faramunsh.
“I say imperial decisions are best when they’re swift,” said Brahsh.
“Faramunsh,” said Lamagh, “set the war fronts in order, and form a new fleet. The name of the fleet will be decided later. We surmise a portion of the Twin Thorns fleets will also bear new fleet names.
“Your Majesty’s edict is my command,” said Faramunsh, bowing his head.
“Brahsh, you are to confer with Mr. Ambassador and ask for more details as to the treatment of his associates. And you are also to ask them to disclose any necessary information.”
“As Your Majesty decrees.” Brahsh, too, bowed his head.
“If we are to do this, we must proceed with all haste. Are We understood, Faramunsh?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please, grant us one month.”
“Until the proposal of the strategy?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Very well,” nodded Lamagh. Faramunsh is not a man who wheels and deals. If he says he needs a month, then it must be true. I shan’t pointlessly rush him.
“Thank you very much. Our preparation period will seriously affect the flexibility of our operations; is this amenable, Your Majesty?”
She was used to the forceful way Faramunsh phrased things. “It isn’t a question of ‘amenable.’ Just do it. And We trust We needn’t tell you to pay the utmost attention to potential leaks.”
“I understand,” said Faramunsh. “There is one more thing Your Majesty must deliberate on.”
Lamagh inferred: “Is this about who will be commander?”
“Yes. I believe that with an operation of this scale and significance, Fïac Cilugér (His Excellency the Crown Prince) would be the most suitable choice.”
“We have given him a different mission,” said Lamagh. She had already given the matter careful consideration and issued a decision. “Moreover, if we lose this gamble, We must have him come to this sector.”
Dusanh, the Crown Prince and Imperial Fleet Commander-in-Chief, was also the Glaharérh Byrer Borperr (Twin Thorns Fleet Commander-in-Chief). The Twin Thorns Fleets were executing their operations in two far flung areas, so the flagship Sancaü was moored in the imperial capital of Lacmhacarh.
“Vice Commander-in-Chief Cohtponee should suffice. She is the commander of that area. We have already told her Our intentions, albeit implicitly.”
“I see,” said Faramunsh placidly, but he was fiddling with a braid of his ashen blue hair between his fingertips.
She had known him for a long time — long enough to know that that habit meant he’d taken offense. “Do not get angry, Faramunsh,” she said, to mollify him. “We aren’t saying We approved of the Invasion of Hania beforehand. It was just Our personal will. And Cohtponee understands that.”
“I am not angry, Your Majesty.”
“Then We shall take you at your word. We leave the selection of the Clybh Monarchy area commander to you.”
“Roger that, Your Majesty.”